BU Co-Head Coach Marci Jobson and Co. have 21 practices until their first match.

Aug. 8, 2013

WACO, Texas - The first of 16 days of preparation for the 2013 season is underway as Baylor soccer hosted its first practice of the summer on Wednesday at Betty Lou Mays Field. The defending Big 12 Championship title holders will have 21 practices, including nine two-a-day sessions, before starting the regular season on Aug. 23.

After reporting to preseason camp yesterday for team meetings, preparation began in earnest this morning as BU Co-Head Coach Marci Jobson put the team through a fitness test in which the team passed with flying colors.

"It's a new year and a new group. We had great leadership in this morning's fitness test," Jobson said. "We are in good shape for sure."

Following afternoon film and recovery sessions, the day concluded with an evening practice and scrimmage. Most preseason days will follow a similar schedule for the Bears, except Aug. 11 and Aug. 17. On the 11th, the team will host its annual "Meet The Bears" scrimmage at 5:30 p.m. CT at Betty Lou Mays Field. On the 17th, Baylor will travel to South Bend, Ind., for an exhibition contest against Notre Dame.

Baylor, which is ranked 14th in the BennettRank preseason poll, begins the 2013 season with a home match against UTSA on Aug. 23. Along with seven newcomers, the Bears return 22 players from the historic 2012 team that won Baylor's first Big 12 Championship title, posted the best record in program history (19-1-5) and advanced further in the NCAA Championship (Sweet 16) than any other BU team.